Game development is a very complex subject. It takes more than just coding, though, to make a game. Throughout the years many colleges have offered courses in game development, but it is still not clear what the best software is for this industry. Whether you are looking to create your own game or port games from other platforms, here are some of the best software tools for creating some amazing games.
The problem with game development is that it is very hard to make money doing it because the cost of development equipment, software, and programming time can be prohibitive. One way to make your game more accessible is to use templates like RPG Maker. These templates make the process of development substantially easier by providing code snippets, resources for developing content, and other resources. The drawback to using these templates is that because they are ready-made you can’t fully customize your game (or your business if that’s what you’re doing).
Let’s go!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Game Making Software
Q #1) What is Game Development Software?
Answer: The simplest definition of a Game Making Software would be a specialized software application that facilitates the development of a video game.
The process involves the development of the video game concept, characters, and the environment. Coding is required to turn these elements into a playable video game.
Several Game Development Tools that allow both novice and experienced game developers to transform their ideas into real video games without too much coding are available now. These programs can execute several functions automatically to save developers the need to write code for several common functions.
Q #2) How does Video Game Software facilitate Game Development?
Answer: All gaming software development programs facilitate asset creation which is often an arduous and painstaking endeavor.
These programs provide a vast suite of useful Game Design Tools to ease and expedite this formidable task. Using these Game Design Tools, you can create gameplay physics, non-playing character AI, characters, icons, menus, sound effects, help screens, buttons, links to online stores, and much more.
The onerous task of creating game mechanics exactly, as you envisioned becomes much easier and rapid.
They also offer a library of both paid and free assets. As you do not have to create assets from scratch with these readymade assets, game design becomes simpler and quicker. However, you may not be able to precisely customize your game according to your ideas.
Q #3) What tools are used for Game Development?
Answer: Video Game Software comes with a wide array of tools for 3D models, items, terrain, environment, objects, behavior, and much more. Level editors and real-time tools allow developers to discern how a newly developed character or element will appear in the game environment.
There are different software packages according to the gaming categories. 3D software packages are more sophisticated and powerful when compared to 2D packages.
Role-playing game software is completely different from these two. Role-playing games (RPG) are characterized by their meticulous storylines and single character control. RPG Game Development Software provides the tools necessary for creating complex games in the genre.
Several Gaming Tools are available for free. As they don’t require the writing of source code, these easy-to-use packages have opened up game development for the multitudes. With these tools, it is easy to create games without the need for a software engineering degree.
All you need is basic computer skills and an organized approach to use these tools for making excellent games.
Q #4) Which Programming Language is used to make Video Games?
Answer: Most of the Game Developers use the C++ language to develop games. A high-level language, C++ is used to build most of the Windows and Console games. Another popular programming language in game development is Java.
A major reason for Java’s popularity among the Game developers/designers is that it is closely related to C++. This means that complex video game systems can be developed using this programming language.
The other less common languages that are used for game design and development are C# and web languages such as HTML5, CSS3, SQL, and JavaScript.Fact Check: The market research on Game Development Software by Technavio revealed that the Game Making Software market is expected to grow by US$ 40.65 million between 2018 and 2022.
Following is an illustration of all the key findings of the Video Game Software market research report by Technavio:
[image source]
From the above infographic, we find that the game design software market will experience incremental growth between 2018 and 2022. We also find that video game streaming will be one of the key factors driving the market growth and that market will be moderately concentrated with few players who occupy the market share.
So, who are these market players who occupy most of the market share of Video Game Software? We will discuss and review all these tools in the following sections.
1) GDevelop
Best For:
- Open-source. Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Support for HTML5 and native games.
- Comprehensive documentation for quick learning.
- Multi-language support.
Open-source free software, GDevelop allows developers to make games without programming skills. It allows you to create objects for games such as sprites, text objects, video objects, and custom shapes.
You can control the behavior of objects using different tools such as the physics engine that allows objects to exhibit realistic behavior. Additionally, the screen editor allows you to edit all levels as well as create them.
You can use the events feature of this free Software to define reusable functions that can be utilized as expressions, conditions, and actions for games. The other game creation programs do not provide this feature.
Pricing: As this is an open-source package, there are no fees or charges of any kind. The source code is also freely available.
Features: Game deployment on multiple platforms, Sprites with multiple animations, Particle Emitters, Tiled sprites, Text objects, Support for custom collision masks, Physics engine, Pathfinding, Platformer engine, Draggable objects, Anchor, and Tweens.
Cons:
- Needs more in-depth tutorials to cover all aspects.
- Object behavior is generalized.
Publishing Platform: GDevelop can make HTML5 games that can be exported to both iOS and Android. It can also create native games for Linux and Windows.
Verdict: Select this free game development software for quickly making a wide variety of 2D games without coding.
Website URL: GDevelop
#2) Autodesk
Best For:
- Industry-standard and top preference for animation and modeling in AAA games.
- Using the MEL language, you can download or write custom scripts.
- Realistic and powerful rendering is combined with ease-of-use.
Autodesk offers a suite of programs for making the most stunning visuals, immersive environments, and 3D models. Unsurprisingly, Autodesk is at the heart of many blockbuster AAA games.
With Maya, you can create the most realistic 3D models. The program allows responsive manipulation and fast playback of character rigs with Parallel Rig Evaluation.
A toolset is provided with a full list of features for animation, character creation, and editing. This versatile platform can be easily customized and integrated into the game development pipeline.
Pricing:
- Maya and 3DS MAX: Starting at $125 per month.
- Maya LT: $30 per month
- A free version is also available.
Features: Comprehensive list of features for rendering, animation, rigging, modeling exporting, and much more. Extensive support from Autodesk and an active user community.
Cons:
- Both 3DS Max and Maya have steep learning curves as they are feature-rich.
- Autodesk programs are not cross-platform. They work only on Windows.
Publishing Platform: Windows only
Verdict: Select these software suites for the most comprehensive tools that are used by leading game development studios for the biggest and best 3D games.
Website URL: Autodesk
- UnityThe world’s leading real-time creation platform.5.0 (1 Review)Unity is used to create half of the world’s games. Our real-time platform, powered by tools and services, offer incredible possibilities for game developers, and creators across industries and applications. Collaboration, graphics rendering, next-gen runtime, and more artist features… learn more about Unity“Unity for life.”ThearrenVISIT WEBSITEFree TrialAvailableEntry Level PriceFree versionAdd to CompareWrite a Review
Unreal EngineMake something unreal with most5.0 (1 Review)Unreal Engine 4 is a suite of integrated tools for game developers to design and build games, simulations, and visualizations. … learn more about Unreal Engine“Very cool”Abbah Ibrahim BassiVISIT WEBSITEFree TrialN/AEntry Level PriceContact VendorAdd to CompareWrite a Review
GDevelopAn open-source game creator.0.0 (0 Review)GDevelop is an open-source, cross-platform game creator designed to be used by everyone – no programming skills required…. learn more about GDevelopVISIT WEBSITEFree TrialAvailableEntry Level PriceFree versionAdd to CompareWrite a Review
Indie Game MakerStart making your game today.0.0 (0 Review)Got a great idea for a game or character? Make it real. Get it out of your head and onto a digital canvas to develop and share with others. From your concept art and model sheets, use 3D tools to bring your character to life. First, create a 3D model. Then texture, rig, and animate it before bringing it into your game engine. Bring all your characters and environments together, lay out your levels… learn more about Indie Game MakerVISIT WEBSITEFree Trial30 daysEntry Level PriceContact VendorAdd to CompareWrite a Review
GameMakerMAKING GAMES IS FOR EVERYONE.0.0 (0 Review)It has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With no barriers to entry and powerful functionality, GameMaker Studio 2 is the ultimate 2D development environment!… learn more about GameMakerVISIT WEBSITEFree TrialAvailableEntry Level PriceFree versionAdd to CompareWrite a Review
Construct 2Make games everywhere!0.0 (0 Review)Construct 3 is the best software to create games. Over 60,000 users monthly make & sell thousands of games globally…. learn more about Construct 2VISIT WEBSITEFree Trial7 daysEntry Level Price$8.26 per monthAdd to CompareWrite a Review
GameSaladEmpowering game creators.0.0 (0 Review)GameSalad is the revolutionary game development platform that allows anyone to create the game of their dreams without writing a line of code. It’s also the best way to introduce programming concepts, game design, and digital media creation to your students…. learn more about GameSaladVISIT WEBSITEFree TrialAvailableEntry Level PriceFree versionAdd to CompareWrite a Review
BuildboxCreate Powerful Games. Amazingly Fast.0.0 (0 Review)With Buildbox, the goal was simple: to design the ultimate video game maker that allows anyone to make a video game. There is no coding or programming required. All the tools you need to complete your game is inside the software…. learn more about Buildbox
Conclusion
At GameDevWeebly, we are constantly spending time in the office to make the talents of our team shine. Today, I decided to create a list of some amazing software which you can use for game development for free or very cheap. Many tools are paid or cost money but you can use them without paying too much. What do you think?